Group saves 61 animals from death

An animal advocacy group in western Pennsylvania has carried out its annual New Year's Eve rescue, saving 61 dogs and cats from death.

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Animal Friends took custody of 40 dogs and 21 cats Friday from shelters in four counties, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported. All were likely to be put down.

The group has carried out similar rescues for the past 15 years.

The first thing Animal Friends does is rename the animals for their new life. Erin Butkovic said this year all were given names taken from Walt Disney characters, including a chocolate Lab named Mickey and two Labrador mixes believed to be siblings who were named Jasmine and Aladdin.

They were also bathed and examined for physical problems and disease. During the weekend, they will be neutered.